haileyufanime

[haileyufanime]

I totally agree, Psycho-Pass does an amazing job of showing the extreme version of panopticism with the Sibyl System. The idea of monitoring people’s thoughts and judging them based on potential crimes is both fascinating and unsettling. I love how the show explores different reactions to the system, from detectives just doing their job to civilians either accepting it or fearing it. It really makes you think about the balance between safety and freedom in society. I’m excited to see how it all unfolds!

Psycho Pass (Ep. 1-5)

So far, this show is absolutely goated! Had my eye glued to the screen while I watch taking in all the details as they solved cases.

However, today we are covering the connections that it has to the concept of Panopticity as presented in our readings.

This show's immediate premise is real world Panopticity but enhanced to an extreme degree with the Sibyl system, which monitors the human psyche with incredible detail to make judgements of each person's character and sustain the society to the best of its ability.

However, in the real world, Panopticity has the effect of making people cautious of what they do, the Sibyl system is able to reach into their mind, essentially removing any real sense of personal privacy.

Additionally, this system is not used to identify criminals before they act by doing something obvious like reading their mind, but rather identifying "latent criminals": anybody with the capacity to do something to harm society at any point in their life. This judgement (so far) has two response types: rehabilitation, which occurs when the subject is likely in distress, and they are provided therapy, and elimination, which occurs when the system deems the subject is too far gone to be worth attempting to rehabilitate, and has enforcers delete them.

So far we have seen the effects this has on people through the detectives & their friends, and the people who they investigate. (A format I thoroughly adore.)

Each side tends to have several particular perspectives, of course with varying intensity (non exhaustive list):

Detectives:

"Just trust in the system and do what you're told." Blissful ignorance approach. The lack of democracy or people power in general makes it easy to fall back on this.

"Yeah it's not right... but we don't have the power to change it." Same as above, except they acknowledge the system is inherently overbearing.

Civilians:

"It's protecting us, and all we have to do is keep healthy." With Akane's friends, it seems like they are pretty receptive to it and admire their friend at being so level headed even during her stress, so it seems like they appreciate it.

"I'll do anything to avoid rehabilitation!" We see this with the bullying victim at the robot factory who was killing people to lower his crime coefficient just to avoid being rehabilitated for having the potential to commit crime, which shows how backwards this way of thinking is altogether.

Overall, I am excited to continue watching this show and see how the plot unfolds.

[haileyufanime]

Psycho-Pass (1, 3, 4, 5)

In Psycho-Pass, the Sibyl System monitors and controls society, determining who is a threat before they even commit a crime. This constant surveillance brings to mind panopticism, a concept where individuals regulate their behavior because they know they might always be watched. The idea that our every action is under observation can deeply influence how we live, from our daily choices to our innermost thoughts.

In the show, characters live under the threat of being judged by a system that decides their fate based on psychological data. The characters in Psycho-Pass are constantly aware that their “crime coefficients” are being measured, affecting their every action. This kind of pressure forces them to conform, often sacrificing their personal freedom.

These ideas reflect real-world issues too. From how we’re tracked online to how surveillance is becoming more common in public spaces, the lines between security and privacy continue to blur. Like the characters in Psycho-Pass, we’re living in a world where we’re constantly being watched, often without realizing how much it affects what we do. Things like social media, facial recognition, and government surveillance are all examples of how we’re monitored every day. This makes you wonder: how much of our freedom are we willing to give up for the sake of convenience or safety?

We’re also seeing how this constant monitoring is affecting how we act and how much we trust others. In the show, people start to make choices based on the system’s judgment, not their own beliefs. In real life, we can start to feel like we’re constantly being judged by social media, news, and even our own phones. The pressure to fit in or follow the rules is always there.

Psycho-Pass is a reminder that while systems of control may promise security, they come with a cost, and sometimes that cost is more than we’re willing to pay. Just as in the show, the balance between freedom and control is delicate, and we need to think about where we draw the line.

Picture from: Psycho-Pass Newbie Recap: Episode 2, Those Capable | The Mary Sue

[haileyufanime]

This was a great wrap-up to the series! The discussion on simulations vs. reality was especially interesting. Yui’s existence really does challenge the idea of what’s "real" in a digital world. Her bond with Asuna and Kirito makes it feel like emotional connections define reality more than physical existence. Kirito's "rebirth" moment was also a strong point. The fact that his memories of SAO, rather than his past life, grounded him again says a lot about how deeply experiences shape identity, even in a virtual space.

Sword Art Online (Ep. 10, 11, 12, 14)

The show finally concludes! I really hope that watching this got some of y'all to try it out in full.

Our presentation is complete, but if there's anything you really really wanted to see mentioned, comment below and I'll pick a post or two to include. (If you want to be included, use the reply feature, not reblog.)

Moving on to the episode analysis, episode 10 is just shy of addressing the idea of simulations vs. reality. We see again that pain makes the simulation too real to be identified as just a 'simulation.'

Episode 11 and 12 play with the idea of simulations becoming real with Yui, and how her connection with Asuna and Kirito essentially made her 'real.' This is similar to the idea of how believing something is real makes it so, which can be seen in real life too with things like superstitions, spirituality, etc.

In episode 14, the game is officially cleared. It doesn't play too much with simulation vs reality, because it is the point where the simulation ends. Interestingly though, when Kirito wakes up he appear like a zombie, but his memories of SAO are what made him feel again, not memories of his previous life, which suggests that he's been reborn somehow, as Kirito.

As for the show review, even without being blinded by nostalgia, I think this show is definitely over hated, especially for a 2012 release. The complaint about pacing I agree with absolutely, however its not that the story was weak, its that there wasn't enough! I just want more of the Aincrad Arc!

Anyway if you agree, cool, if you disagree, that's okay, not every show is for everyone. See you Friday!

[haileyufanime]

SAO (10,11,12,14)

In episodes 10 to 14 of Sword Art Online, we see Kirito and Asuna start to really dig into the whole “should I stay or should I go?” dilemma. They’re stuck in the game, and while they both want out, their reasons for wanting to escape (or maybe even stay) are pretty different.

For Kirito, it’s all about freedom. He’s trapped in a virtual world and just wants to get back to reality, where things aren’t life-or-death and he can be a normal person. He hates the idea of being stuck there forever. He wants his real life back, no matter how messed up or imperfect it might be. Kirito has this determination to fight his way out because he believes it’s his only shot at living life on his own terms.

Asuna’s has a slightly different perspective. She definitely wants to escape, but as she spends more time with Kirito, she starts to feel a stronger pull to this world. The bond they’ve formed makes her question if maybe staying isn’t the worst thing anymore. She feels stronger there, and the relationships they’ve built seem so much more real than anything she had outside the game. Plus, the deeper she grows into the game, the more the virtual world feels like home.

The interesting part is not everyone is like Kirito or Asuna. Some players get so wrapped up in the game that the idea of returning to the real world just doesn’t seem worth it. They’ve made their peace with the fact that they’re stuck and find a sense of belonging here. It is actually an escape for a lot of people from their problems in the real world. The battles and the danger are all intense, but it gives them purpose. It’s their new reality, and some of them do not even want to leave it behind.

At the end of the day, it’s a personal decision. Some people fight to get out while others grow attached to this virtual world. Either way, it’s a tough choice with no easy answers.

Picture from: Sword Art Online Kirito Y Asuna

[haileyufanime]

This is a really interesting take! Sword Art Online definitely explores how the line between reality and simulation can blur which makes you question what’s real and what’s not. The way characters navigate their identities in the game ties into that idea perfectly. Even though it’s just a simulation, their choices and emotions still feel just as real, which really connects to Baudrillard’s perspective. It’s fascinating how much a virtual world can shape a person. SAO definitely gives a lot to think about!

SAO - Identity in a Simulated World

"Sword Art Online" (SAO) is a super engaging anime that dives into themes like virtual reality, identity, and how the lines between real life and simulation get all mixed up. In the first few episodes, you can really see how these ideas connect to what Baudrillard talks about in his book "Simulation and Simulacra," where he explores what reality even means in a world filled with fake stuff. In episode 1, we meet players who log into the game Sword Art Online, only to find out they’re stuck there and can't log out. This kicks off a situation where the boundary between the game and real life gets super thin. That boundary only thins more as their appearances change to reflect what they look like in real life. It totally aligns with Baudrillard's take on how, in a hyperreal world, you can't really tell what's real anymore. Kirito and the other players have to navigate this game where their actual lives are on the line, showing how simulations can sometimes feel more real than real life itself. The anime continues to dig deeper into how identity works in this virtual space. The characters start to shape who they are based on their avatars, using them as extensions of themselves. This ties back to Baudrillard's idea that in a world flooded with images, people can lose touch with their true selves. Kirito's struggle with his identity highlights how the simulation messes with a person's sense of identity. Sometimes those avatars can feel more genuine than who we are in reality. We see how choices in this fake world really affect the characters’ lives. Asuna and the other characters deal with the heavy consequences of their virtual actions, showing how real those feelings can be, despite being in a game. Baudrillard's point is that these simulations can evoke strong emotions that feel totally authentic, meaning the outcomes matter even though they happen in a virtual space. "Sword Art Online" really showcases Baudrillard's ideas about simulation and the real world. The show is not just entertaining; it pushes you to think about what reality and identity really mean, especially when the lines between our digital experiences and actual life start to blur. In SAO, life and the simulation are so intertwined that the differences almost fade away, making you question what's real and what's not.

I included this image just because I really love this scene. Alright, that's all! Hope you enjoyed this half-dead analysis, and as always questions, comments, and confusion are welcome!

[haileyufanime]

SAO (1, 2, 5, 8)

At first glance, Sword Art Online is just an anime about gamers trapped in a virtual world. However, It refects real-world issues, especially how people interact with digital spaces and what happens when the line between real and fake starts to blur.

One of the biggest themes in Sword Art Online is how people adapt to a new reality. The players are stuck in a game, but they don’t just wait to escape, they also build a society, create rules, and establish status based on achievements in the game. It’s not so different from how people today carefully craft their online presence. Social media, for example, lets people create idealized versions of themselves, and sometimes those digital identities feel more real than who they actually are. This connects to simulacra, the idea that copies of reality can eventually replace the real thing.

The show also highlights the illusion of security. Safe zones in Sword Art Online are supposed to protect players, but people find ways around the rules, proving that no system is foolproof. The same thing happens in real life. Whether it’s cybercrime, online scams, or even misinformation, the internet often gives a false sense of safety. We trust that certain spaces are secure, but that trust can be easily broken.

Then there is also the issue of power. In Sword Art Online, leaders of guilds hold real control over people’s lives, just like how corporations, influencers, and online communities can shape public opinion and behavior today. A person’s status in a digital space can sometimes mean more than their real-world identity.

At its core, Sword Art Online asks many important questions. For example, how much of our lives do we hand over to the digital world? As technology advances, it’s worth thinking about where reality ends and the illusion begins.

Picture from: Sword Art Online Wallpapers Hd Resolution On Hd Wallpaper - Sao 791

[haileyufanime]

I really enjoyed reading your breakdown of Eden of the East's ending. You did a great job explaining why the missile launch scene doesn’t hold up logically, and honestly, I never thought about the logistics of it that deeply before. It’s always a little frustrating when a show you enjoy pulls something that feels implausible, especially when the rest of the story relatively makes sense. Like you said, they had so many other ways they could’ve handled that scenario.

I also really liked your point about the anime’s focus on certain types of work while leaving out others. The way it critiques modern work culture is super interesting, but there’s a whole world of industries that don’t really get touched on. It makes me wonder how the story would have shifted if they explored military culture or something like civil service.

Eden of the East - ep11, Juiz shouldn't work?!?!?!

Hello! So at this point in class we have talked about the way Eden of the East reflects modern work culture. Exploring some of the positive and negative commentary about it. With the last few episodes we have watched we have gotten a great look into how an abusive or extortive work culture can destroy lives. However, my focus is solely on the climax of episode 11. I have seen this anime quite a few times, and I have never been able to take the ending of the season seriously because of the way it was executed. 

Okay, a bit of recap and context here. After WWII Japan lost its military power, and the US provided support in a sort of controlling defense. Eventually Japan became independent to a degree with the Japan Self Defense Force, but is still largely supported by the US Military. The most important fact to gather from this arrangement is the fact that Japan does not have the ability to support its own Navy so it instead buys all of its ships from the US. Meaning that in this scene where the missiles are launched, the ships are former US Destroyers.  It was also mentioned in the series that the type of missiles used were Tomahawk missiles. 

Now, all of this comes together to create the question of how the HELL did Juiz manage to launch 60 Tomahawk missiles??? This is because US Destroyers, even old ones, have an air gap in the missile launch system. Meaning that you need at least two people from on board the ship to launch the missiles, one of which has to be the commanding officer of the ship. The launch system will not even turn on without the actions of these two people. 

Now, okay we’ve seen Juiz use people in the real world to accomplish the requests, likely through bribery or blackmail. However, for her to be able to do that for every single CO on those ships is completely improbable, and even if she did do that the chances of not a single other sailor on those ships disagreeing with the CO trying to launch a missile at Japan is impossible. So, then what about someone sneaking on board? Well, like I mentioned before the JSDF is supported by the US Military meaning they have to hold up certain regulations, like security, as a means of preventing Japan from becoming a hazard to the US. All around this scene just annoys me because of how impossible it would be. And yes I know it’s fiction and not meant to be realistic, but in this specific situation it takes away the satisfaction of the ending for me. They could have used dirty bombs or foreign funded terrorists or so many other missile options that wouldn’t make me question the plausibility of Juiz’s abilities.

Anyways, connecting back to modern work culture a little bit, I do find it interesting how there was no connection to the other disciplines of work. The anime mainly comments on NEETs and your standard office worker with some dips into the entertainment industry and the world of politics. However, there are so many other fields of work that are not touched on or considered in the anime, i.e. the military, the athletic industry, the civil servants, etc… It is really interesting to me.

All right I am finally done complaining about the logic of an anime and I hope you enjoyed the body of words I have dumped on you today. Questions and comments are welcome, Have a good day!

[haileyufanime]

Eden of the East (6, 9, 10, 11)

These episodes of Eden of the East dive deep into big ideas like identity, responsibility, and the unpredictable nature of power. As Akira uncovers more about his past and what happened on Careless Monday, the show makes you reflect on how much control we really have over our own lives. It’s a constant theme, how our actions shape the world, but also how the world shapes us.

One of the most interesting parts of these episodes is Akira's decision to erase his memory. It’s a drastic choice, and it hits home for a lot of people who sometimes wish they could hit "reset" on their lives. For Akira, losing his memory is both freeing and burdensome, he’s not weighed down by past regrets, but he also becomes vulnerable and disconnected. It raises a thought-provoking question that applies to the lives of everyone. Are we defined by our past or by the choices we make going forward? It makes you wonder how many of us might make different decisions if we didn’t carry the weight of our memories with us.

Responsibility is another key theme. Akira learns that while he helped prevent an even worse disaster after Careless Monday, people still treat him with suspicion. This reflects real-life situations where doing the right thing doesn't always lead to praise. Instead, it can make you a target. The show pushes us to think about what it really means to lead. Do we act for our own benefit, like many of the Selecao, or do we take risks for the greater good? Leadership isn’t just about power, it’s about how you use that power and whether you’re willing to make sacrifices for others.

At its core, the show also explores human connection. Despite the high stakes, Akira and Saki’s relationship remains strong in the chaos. Their bond reminds us that, even in uncertain times, relationships are what keep us anchored. Eden of the East is about more than just a mystery waiting to be uncovered, it’s about the choices we make, how we shape our future, and how we navigate an unpredictable world.

Picture from: Careless Monday / November 23rd, 2010 - pixiv

[haileyufanime]

This is a really thoughtful take on the show so far! I like how you connected Saki’s struggles to the broader theme of Japanese work culture. It really does feel like she represents the pressure young people face when transitioning into adulthood, especially in a society with such strict expectations. The way you framed her as being prepared but lacking resources makes a lot of sense.

Eden of the East (Ep. 1, 3, 4, 5)

To start with what I've gotten out of the show so far- a majority, if not all of which is from episode 4, if you can believe that -we follow Akira Takizawa, a recently memory wiped man who was forcibly put into a 12-man death game where the goal is to save Japan by any means necessary, and Saki Morimi, a girl who is graduating soon is worried about her ability to get a job.

Yup, its one of those.

Repeating the format from last time, I will address what's going on with each character and attempt to relate it to our reading, which for this show was about Japanese work culture. I will give thoughts on the show after we finish. (Disclaimer that I had discussed with ChatGPT to understand Saki's motivations to try and understand the source for them since we skipped episode 2.)

For Saki Morimi, her story so far has been about seeking a place in the world after finally reaching the start of her independent life. This is a reflection of the status quo for Japanese work culture, as she was expected to have had a job lined up prior to graduation, and she feels like a failure for it. In a way, her character is the author's portrayal of the reality behind the Japanese understanding of work and the social ideas surrounding it. You could say she is prepared, but has no resources and is struggling to find out who she wants to be.

For Takizawa, its a foil to her situation. He has had no preparation, has all the resources he could possibly need at his disposal, and knows who he needs to be. Its a bit harder to connect his character to anything much farther beyond the start of the series because his memory was wiped, so we don't know what happened prior and we've experienced everything he has as it stands.

[haileyufanime]

Eden of the East (1,3,4,5)

Eden of the East isn’t just a mystery show, it also reflects real world issues, especially Japan’s work culture and societal pressures. The show talks about NEETs which are young people who have dropped out of school and work. In Japan, companies expect complete dedication, so some people struggle to fit in and end up jobless or isolated. Instead of helping them, society often ignores them.

The show’s mystery about the missing NEETs feels like an extreme version of this problem. They disappear, and no one seems to care. It’s as if society erased them. Akira, who may have caused their disappearance, is caught in the middle. The show makes you think about how harsh the system can be for people who don’t follow the rules.

Beyond Japan, the story connects to global issues too. A few powerful people are given money and technology to "fix" Japan. This is similar to how governments and companies make big decisions without asking regular people.

Another interesting part is Kuroha kills men who mistreat women. She believes she’s making society better, but she takes justice into her own hands. Her story highlights gender issues in Japan and other countries. This also makes you think about who gets to decide what justice is.

Another major theme in Eden of the East is the idea of responsibility. The Selecao are given huge amounts of money and power, but there’s no guarantee they’ll use it wisely. Some try to help society, while others act selfishly or dangerously. Akira is different because he doesn’t remember what he did with his money, which makes his journey more interesting. The show raises the question of whether one person should have that much control and what it really means to use power for good.

From the start, Eden of the East brings up some big ideas about society, power, and technology. It looks at what happens to people who don’t fit in, whether a few people should be able to make huge changes, and if technology is actually making things better or worse. While Akira is trying to figure out who he is, the show is also making us think about these issues in the real world.

Image from: Eden of the East | TV fanart | fanart.tv

[haileyufanime]

This is such a great breakdown of the capitalist themes in the show! You really hit on how those themes start to come through more clearly as the episodes go on. I totally agree with your point about how Shirase’s personal financial contribution highlights the way capitalism makes us rely on our own savings and labor to make big dreams happen. It's like everything, even a trip to Antarctica, gets shaped by money and planning.

A Place Further Than The Universe (Eps 6,9,10,12) & Capitalism

Although these four episodes were a skip around from the chronologies of episodes 1-4, I can say I truly enjoyed this anime and the character development, especially between Hinata, Shrase, and Yuzuki. I mentioned in my analysis of episodes 1-4 the theme of capitalism and these 4 episodes especially solidify this when having the theme in mind. Here are the capitalist elements that I saw in these 4 episodes.

In Episode 6, it displays the groups' journey to Singapore where they learn about the economy through tourism and local trading. Singapore highlights the idea of globalization as it has a bustling cityscape with a consumer-centric culture and markets display the effects/opportunities created by a capitalist system. The durian fruit is almost like a representation of cultural exchange and is illustrative of how capitalism conforms cultural products for broader consumption. Shirase's savings from her part-time jobs especially display how labor and financial planning are essential in capitalist systems to pursue personal dreams.

In this episode where Hinata loses her passport, you can see them go on a ramble about the government and money which also connects this idea to capitalism. As well as when Shirase uses her hard-earned money to change the date of the flight in order to have all of them go (Hinata included) yet still fulfill her goals.

Even from the beginning, the expedition to Antartica is depicted as a costly and logistically demanding trip. In a sense, it's almost like real-world expeditions which are normally reliant on government/private funding. Overall Shirase's personal financial contribution becomes a symbol of how capitalism places the burden of dreams and ambitions on economics. Antartica acts as one of the few places not dominated by capitalist systems. But this is sort of ironic because episode 9 touches on how capitalist economies fund expeditions to study or explore such non-capitalist areas.

I would say that capitalism is a transactional relationship. It is seen in episode 10 that Yuzuki's struggle to fit in and write up a contract kind of displays this transactional relationship. In capitalist society or just society in general things are often put into the forms of a contract to solidify things. Yuzuki almost serves as a metaphor for the isolating effects of capitalist individualism.

Episode 12 displays that Shirase's success is not due to only her but because of those around her which challenges the individualist ideas in capitalism. She counts the Yen and starts repeating words about jobs, delivery, money, etc. It truly pieces together the ideas of capitalism that were not obvious in the first episode. In this first episode, I asked myself why Antartica??? Now, it all makes sense.

[haileyufanime]

A Place Further Than the Universe (6,9,10,12)

On the surface, A Place Further Than the Universe is a story about adventure, friendship, and personal growth. But beneath the uplifting exterior, episodes 6, 9, 10, and 12 reveal the struggles that feel all too real for anyone living under capitalism. As the girls travel from Singapore to Antarctica, they encounter pressures and expectations that symbolize the way these capitalistic systems control and shape our lives, often without us even realizing it.

In episode 6, the girls board the ship taking them toward Antarctica and quickly learn that life at sea is not all adventure. It’s tough. There are routines to follow, work to do, and expectations to meet. What started as an exciting journey starts to feel more like a grueling task. They have to keep up with the crew, even when they’re exhausted, and it starts to show how capitalism demands people keep moving forward, even when they’re worn out. On the ship, the girls are expected to perform their duties and contribute to the greater goal, no matter how tired they get. This reflects how capitalism forces workers to push through their own limits just to stay alive. Even if they want to stop, the system won’t stop for them.

As the journey continues, the girls face even more challenges. The rough seas and long days start to take a toll, and the physical exhaustion is only matched by the emotional turmoil they all feel. Shirase, in particular, is carrying a heavy emotional burden. She strives to honor her mother’s legacy, which often weighs on her through the journey. These episodes really hit home how capitalism can drain both your body and your mind. The pressure to keep pushing forward, even when you feel you can’t go any further, is something many people face in the real world. Just like in real life, taking a break doesn’t feel like an option, it feels like a luxury. The system doesn’t allow for that kind of pause. If you stop, you fail.

The cold and harsh conditions of the expedition continue to test their limits as the show moves on. The pressure doesn’t let up, but they keep fighting through because they have no other choice. This mirrors how capitalism doesn’t really give people the chance to stop, rest, or reflect. There’s always more to do, more work to get through, and people are expected to keep producing even if they’ve already given. For the girls, it’s not just about reaching Antarctica, it’s also about surviving the journey and pushing through the challenges that keep coming at them.

While the show isn’t directly about capitalism, these episodes reflect many of its struggles. The constant pressure to work, the lack of space to rest, and the emotional toll it takes. The series touches on the real hardships people experience. But even with all of that, the show reminds us that there’s always room for friendship, support, and perseverance. Even within systems that are built to keep us going, we can still find ways to grow and find meaning in the tough moments. At the end of the day, it’s the bonds we form that make the journey worth it and I believe this show is trying to convey that message.

Picture from: Four Worlds, Four Tomorrows: A Place Further Than The Universe Review and Whole-Series Recommendation | The Infinite Zenith

[haileyufanime]

I like your interpretation and believe it aligns with mine. I think a major theme of these episodes is personal growth and escaping from the traditional. I also think the friendship aspect is very important in telling the story. While growing individually, they are also growing together because they have the same goal. I did not look at it as them trying to escape from capitalism, but I think that's a really interesting perspective!

A Place Further Than The Universe

The anime series A Place Further Than the Universe is a show that, in my opinion, is a coming-of-age comedy in which a group of girls attempt to go to Antarctica on an expedition. The girls are high-school-aged women who are not friends or close socially at the start of the series but are forced to come together through their interest in the expedition. This interest in the expedition pushes the girls closer and forces them to grow as people. This theme of growth together with a group of unexpected friends is a common theme universally, not just in Japan. The girls also display very individual personality traits, with one being a strong leader type of character and the others being more sweet, kind girls. These individual traits are an important part of the overall theme of the anime because they show how individuals can change because of those they are surrounded with and be forced to grow into more impactful people. 

The themes within the anime are universally true, meaning that they are accepted in many cultures as basic values which helps allow this anime to be more relatable to cultures beyond Japan and Asian countries. This anime is universal to many cultures because it displays themes of friendship, personal growth, and the pursuit of goals through overcoming various extensive challenges. However, there is an underlying theme to the anime that I did not notice until reflecting on the assigned reading attached to the anime episodes I had to watch. This anime displays the theme of an attempt to escape from the expectations of their high school and families and find a more free version of themselves. This reflects the fact that Japan is attempting to free itself from the Western grasp or in other words, the grasp of capitalism. This honestly is not that recognizable, but the girls wanting to escape from their current lives into the unknown displays a sense that the author is trying to reflect Japan’s attempt to free themselves from Western expectations. 

[haileyufanime]

A Place Further Than the Universe (1-4)

A Place Further Than the Universe is more than just a heartwarming story about four girls traveling to Antarctica. It’s a deep exploration of dreams, self-discovery, and the power of friendship. The first four episodes subtly highlight not only issues that people face in Japan but also themes that people everywhere can relate to in their own personal lives.

One major theme in the show is the pressure to “fit in.”  For example, Shirase faces constant criticism and ridicule from others because she wants to travel to Antarctica. Her mother disappeared during an expedition to the South Pole, and people don’t understand why Shirase is so determined to follow in her footsteps. This reflects how, in Japan, society often expects people to follow more conventional paths. When someone pursues an unusual or unconventional dream, they can feel judged or isolated. However, this is not just something that happens in Japan, it’s a struggle many people around the world face. Whether it’s pressure from family, friends, or society as a whole, it can be difficult to chase your dreams when others don’t understand why you’re doing it. This applies greatly to me and my life as my goal is to become an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Many people, including family members, have shamed me for not understanding why I want that to be my career. It is not “typical” or “conventional,” especially for a woman. However, I refuse to let the need to fit in stop me from living my dreams, similar to Shirase.

The characters also deal with loneliness and feelings of being disconnected from others, which is something that everyone, regardless of culture, can relate to. Yuzuki, a famous child actress, feels isolated because her career keeps her from forming real relationships. This feeling of being alone, despite being surrounded by people, is something that many young adults, in particular, can understand. The show beautifully illustrates how important it is to find meaningful connections with others in order to heal and move forward emotionally.

Like the characters, many of us find ourselves at crossroads in life, wondering whether we are making the right choices or following the right paths. The show reminds us that pursuing our dreams is often uncertain and filled with challenges, but with courage and the support of others, it’s always a journey worth taking.

Picture from: https://www.baltana.com/anime/a-place-further-than-the-universe-hd-wallpapers-104054.html

[haileyufanime]

This is a great interpretation of the film! I appreciate that the creators stayed true to traditional Japanese culture and Shinto beliefs, offering viewers a glimpse into Japanese spirituality. While the film’s universal themes may resonate with Western audiences, its focus on Japanese spirits and traditions ensures it remains authentic. This balance allows Spirited Away to feel both culturally specific and globally relatable for all viewers.

Spirited Away and Western Influences

Spirited Away is one of my most favorite Studio Ghibli movies because of bothe the wildly eccentric characters and the wondrous setting and plot. Rewatching it again with more focus on how it could connect or contradict the stereotypes of anime, manga, and Japanese culture was interesting to say the least (slightly less fun, but better than most homework). The first theme I connected to Spirited Away was the contrast of Traditional Japanese culture and Western influences. Spirited Away focuses on a world of spirits and magic connected more with traditional Japanese folklore and myths, which contrasts with the actions and personalities of the characters. 

While almost every place in the world has different folklore and mythology, western culture mainly draws from Catholicism and European folklore. Many stories are characterized by the fey and usually have religious references to the bible. In contrast Japanese folklore involves a lot more spirits and references towards Shinto beliefs. This fact already sets up the main location of the movie as one with more of a connection to traditional Japanese culture.

The contrast between the setting of the movie and the characters actions is a set up for viewers to think about and discuss the idea of how anime and manga are influenced not only by western ideas and styles, but also haw the market and industry is influenced by a larger capitalist market. It also leads viewers to discuss whether those influences are beneficial or not.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this corpse of rambling that I created. Questions are welcome, thoughts and add-ons are encouraged, and confusion or boredom is understandable. 

The art is not mine. All credit goes to Asur-Misoa on Deviantart

[haileyufanime]

Spirited Away

Spirited Away is an animated film that touches on deep themes about society, nature, and personal growth. Set in a magical world full of gods and spirits, it explores issues that affect Japan and the world today through more fictional ideas.

In Japan, one of the main themes is the effect of industrialization. The bathhouse in the movie symbolizes Japan’s rapid modernization. This modernization has caused a loss of traditional values and connections to nature. Chihiro, the main character, begins her journey feeling scared, lost, and unsure of the journey ahead. This mirrors how many people in Japan feel in a fast-moving, consumer-driven society. Chihiro’s growth and courage throughout the film show that even in a fast-paced world, we can find strength and hope by embracing our challenges rather than avoiding them.

On a global level, the movie also addresses environmental problems. One of the most important scenes is when Chihiro helps clean a polluted river spirit. This can be seen as a reminder of how human actions harm nature. The film calls attention to real-world issues like pollution and climate change. It encourages viewers to care for the environment and think about how we treat nature.

The struggles that Chihiro faces are also very relatable for all viewers. She has to overcome fear, confusion, and the challenge of finding her true self. These are struggles that everyone deals with at least some point in their life, especially when starting someone new. People often feel overwhelmed by the pressures of work, school, and personal life. Spirited Away reminds us that growth is possible even when one feels like everything is falling apart. With courage, determination, and kindness, we can overcome challenges and become better versions of ourselves just like Chihiro does.

The film’s powerful message speaks to both Japanese culture and global issues. It encourages people to reflect on their values, their environment, and their personal journeys. It is a story about growth, change, and finding balance in a complex world.